Johnson's Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Crispy, golden chicken pieces marinated in buttermilk and seasoned with herbs, fried to perfection for a classic Southern meal. This southern american-inspired chicken ready in about 44 minutes pairs chicken thighs, buttermilk, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 inches vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs chicken thighs, 2 cups buttermilk, and 1 tsp salt. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours (or overnight) to marinate.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Place on a wire rack and let rest 15 minutes to set the coating.
- Step 4: Heat 2 inches vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry chicken in batches for 12-14 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on wire rack over paper towels.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Johnson's Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 44 minutes (30 min prep + 14 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Johnson's Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Johnson's Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Johnson's Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Johnson's Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken?
Southern American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Love how the Southern American come through in every bite.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
